Internships at Optum. If you want an intern experience that will dramatically shape your career, consider a company that’s dramatically shaping our entire health care system. Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of companies, is a leading health services and innovation company dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. With more than 94,000 people collaborating worldwide, Optum combines people, technology, data and action to improve the delivery, quality and efficiency of health care. Our internship opportunities provide a view of a rapidly evolving, incredibly challenging marketplace of ideas, products and services. Here, you’ll work with some of the smartest people in the business on assignments that matter. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Analytics Development Internship is a 10-week summer experience designed for students eager to explore careers in data analysis and data science. This program empowers interns to contribute to meaningful work at UnitedHealth Group, helping shape the future of healthcare through data-driven insights, including the use of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics tools.
We are seeking high-performing, motivated students who are excited to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Interns will be supported by experienced managers and mentors who provide guidance, helping translate classroom learning into impactful business solutions.
Location: Eden Prairie, MN This is an office-based, in-person program based in Minnesota. Participants are expected to follow the Return to Office (RTO) expectations for their assigned site, which currently includes four days per week in the office.
Program Highlights
- 10-week summer internship (June 1, 2027- August 6, 2027)
- Hands-on, project-based work experience
- Dedicated mentorship and manager support
- Exposure to senior leadership and cross-functional teams
- Access to training sessions and professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to explore full-time career paths within analytics and data science
Interns will be placed on a team aligned with their interests, where they will contribute to projects such as building predictive models, analyzing complex datasets, and generating insights that influence business decisions.
Program Focus Areas
- Data Analysis: Using visualization and statistical techniques to generate insights
- Data Science: Supporting the development of machine learning models and AI-driven solutions
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist with data extraction, transformation, and analysis using SQL and analytical tools
- Build dashboards and visualizations using tools like Tableau or Power BI
- Conduct statistical analysis to support business initiatives
- Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and business partners
- Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
- Support database maintenance and reporting improvements
- Contribute to analytic and innovation projects, including AI-enabled solutions
- Leverage tools like Copilot to enhance productivity and analysis
- Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders
- Participate in team projects and other assigned work
This role is designed for candidates with solid technical foundations who are passionate about building and scaling AI solutions. You will work on developing models, systems, and AI-driven applications that power next-generation capabilities.
What You’ll Do:
- Develop and deploy machine learning and AI models
- Build AI-powered tools, automations, and applications
- Design, evaluate and manage data pipelines, model workflows and outputs
- Use APIs and frameworks to create scalable AI solutions
- Partner with cross-functional teams to implement AI strategies
- Ensure ethical, secure, and compliant AI development
*Responsibilities may vary depending on team placement
You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university related to Data Science or Data Analytics
- Enrolled in school during the internship period
- Experience with analytics through coursework, projects, or student organizations
- Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
Preferred Qualifications:
- Coursework in data analytics, data science, statistics, or related fields
- Experience with SQL, Python, or big data tools (Azure, Spark, etc.)
- Familiarity with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Alteryx)
- Experience with data manipulation and analysis
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- Exposure to AI tools (e.g., Copilot) for analysis, coding, or workflow automation
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $18.00 to $32.00 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.